Well I finally made 50 posts, woo hoo. I have been searching the net for as much info on the EL2 Xr8 as I can, but I was wondering just what the FF crowd know. I purchased my EL2 XR8 without knowing there was such a beast. I fugured all EL's were the same when I got it 6 months ago, but through this site and others I now know a little better, but I wanna know everything...
Also my March '98 build XR8 has factory ceramic coated extractors which as far as I know were on the EL GT. Were these on all EL2 XR8's as I have had comments from other XR owners that they were not.
Also has anyone driven the cars back to back to see just how improved the series 2 was, if at all..

This is what I do know. It is taken from a web site I know longer remember, but I just want to find out everything about my car. So any other details would be great. And the ceramic coated extractors are a big unknown...

"Power: 185kW @ 4500rpm; Torque: 402Nm @ 3100rpm

From the start of October 1997 production, the EL XR8 was upgraded with extra power and features. Coincidently
this happened as Holden released the VT Commodore. The VT SS was released with a 179kW V8 engine and an
optional 195kW (HSV sourced) version was available. Ford upped the power of the EL XR8 to 185kW and was possible through
a different exhaust system, modified throttle body, revised EEC-V to improve fuel flow rate of the injectors, and the
EL GT's cold air box. The diff ratio was also made shorter to 3.45:1 to improve acceleration. The upgrade also saw
16" wheels and air conditioning made standard on all XR's. The price of the XR8 increased by $2,500 but was still
cheaper than a VT SS. "

Originally posted by XR8-2NV This is what I do know. It is taken from a web site I know longer remember, but I just want to find out everything about my car. So any other details would be great. And the ceramic coated extractors are a big unknown...

"Power: 185kW @ 4500rpm; Torque: 402Nm @ 3100rpm

From the start of October 1997 production, the EL XR8 was upgraded with extra power and features. Coincidently
this happened as Holden released the VT Commodore. The VT SS was released with a 179kW V8 engine and an
optional 195kW (HSV sourced) version was available. Ford upped the power of the EL XR8 to 185kW and was possible through
a different exhaust system, modified throttle body, revised EEC-V to improve fuel flow rate of the injectors, and the
EL GT's cold air box. The diff ratio was also made shorter to 3.45:1 to improve acceleration. The upgrade also saw
16" wheels and air conditioning made standard on all XR's. The price of the XR8 increased by $2,500 but was still
cheaper than a VT SS. "

These so-called ceramic coated EL GT extractors are a load of crap. They are still waaaaaaay too small, and pinched right at the entry. No good.

Yep, the EL2's got the 3.45 diff, the "Explorer" type intake manifold, and the "trumpet" from airbox to MAF. They also got the 16" rims and A/C, as the article mentions. Not sure what they mean by "modified throttle body, AFAIK the stock 60mm one was a standard fitting since EB days, and fits all the upper intake manifolds of the era. The mappings in EEC-V were altered slightly for the new manifold and exhaust.

From what I can make out and correct me please.. The E.L 2 had 70mm maf, Explorer/Cobra inlet,65mm throttle body, gt40p heads...24 injectors blue ones I'm not too sure..
But almost what was in the Cobra kit for 93 Mustang Cobra S.V.O conversion..$$$$...Or Sprint motor...Minus 1:7 r/rockers..
About then they went to dist- less ignition.Hypo pistons lighter bottom end,but basicaly the same.Engine sourced from Explorer..

Yeah the heads on the EL2 XR8 are GT40P Heads and it was the first XR to be fitted with them.
It seems that the last 50 or so XR6's were also fitted with AU blocks with EL internals. Anyone on here own one of those babies???

Originally posted by XR8-2NV Yeah the heads on the EL2 XR8 are GT40P Heads and it was the first XR to be fitted with them.
It seems that the last 50 or so XR6's were also fitted with AU blocks with EL internals. Anyone on here own one of those babies???

Hmmmm so your saying that the last of the runnign EL2Xr8's ahd the explorer block of the AU with 185kw and 412Nm.

If thats true then, that car would absolutely fly as i think the EL Xr8 are lighter than the IRSed AU.

I reckon times of 0-100km/h in 6.8 and 1/4's of 14.9 are possible.

Motor May 2001 Quote: "Believe it or not, there are actually a bunch of weirdos out there who reckon a six cylinder is the dux gutz. Bugger it: I'm one of them" :s5